Retailers with stores in the Syracuse market are fueling the customer loyalty programs for the holidays

Mel Evans / APThe front of a combined Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us store is seen in Elizabeth, N.J.

Syracuse, NY -- Retailers are beginning to pull out all the stops. Like it or not, the holiday shopping season is here, now. You'll see big sales starting this weekend because, well, the calendar is about to flip over to November.

It's hammer time. Read on...

From the Chicago Times:

Toys R Us shoppers to get 10 percebt back in store credit on purchases

Toys R Us is the latest retailer to increase customer loyalty program benefits ahead of the holidays to entice shoppers.

The largest independent U.S. toy seller said Wednesday it will offer rewards program members 10 percent back in store credit on purchases in stores and online.

It had previously offered members $5 back for $150 in purchases. The new deal will run Sunday through Christmas Eve.

Members of the program also get access to member shopping events and are notified first when shipments of popular items arrive.

The cap is $50 in store credit for a $500 purchase.

Other retailers recently have increased rewards program offerings.

Discounter Target Corp. will offer 5 percent off most products when shoppers use a Target card. And bookseller Borders Inc. introduced a paid option that offers more benefits than the free program.

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